The prize is presented every alternate year to people or institutions that fight "in an extraordinary way" to defend freedom of expression and freedom of the press. It carries a cash award of €20,000.

The Palm Foundation judging panel found merit in the great risks taken by the awardees in continuing with their critical struggles.
Arrazola, 46, works for one of the few critical dailies in the city of Oaxaca, where he continues to fight against corruption in public institutions and against organised crime, despite being kidnapped and frequently threatened.